Aston Martin DB12 S = More Power, More Poise

The standard DB12 was already a powerhouse, but for the "S" designation, Aston Martin’s engineers found more motivation from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Output has been bumped to 690 horsepower, a 19-hp increase over the base model, while torque remains a stout 590 lb-ft. In an era of four-digit horsepower EVs, 690 might sound "reasonable," but the magic is in the delivery. Linked to a recalibrated ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the DB12 S hits 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds—a tenth of a second faster than the standard car. Much of that gain comes from a more aggressive 1-2 shift, an updated launch control calibration, and a lower curb weight.

But speed is only half the story; sound is the other. The "S" features a revised exhaust note with a deeper, more resonant bass profile. For those who believe silence isn’t golden, an optional titanium exhaust system is available. Not only is it 1.5 decibels louder, but it also sheds weight in the pursuit of marginal gains. While a 75-pound overall weight reduction (bringing curb weight to 3,930 pounds) might seem modest on a car this size, it’s the location of that weight loss—particularly the 57 pounds of unsprung weight saved by the now-standard carbon-ceramic brakes—that pays dividends in the corners.

Chassis Alchemy Dials in the Aston Martin DB12 S

Where the DB12 S truly earns its badge is in the chassis. Aston Martin has doubled down on the "S" as a "dynamic performance enhancement." The goal was simple but difficult to execute: keep the GT mode comfortable for a drive from London to Monte Carlo, but make Sport+ mode aggressive enough to tackle Silverstone. The engineering team focused on "linear heave response" and improved roll damping. To the layman, that means the car feels more planted and predictable during rapid transitions. By increasing the diameter of the rear anti-roll bar, they’ve achieved a 7% improvement in roll stiffness. They also increased rear camber by 0.33 degrees.

These might seem like minute adjustments, but on a twisty road like Mulholland Drive in Malibu, they translate to a car that feels significantly more agile and less prone to understeer. Perhaps most impressive is the steering. Aston Martin has worked to remove "on-center friction," resulting in a steering feel that is progressive and natural. In an age of numb electric power steering, the DB12 S manages to communicate exactly what the front tires are doing, providing an optimum blend of feel and returnability. When you push the car to its limit, the breakaway is progressive, not abrupt—a trait that makes the DB12 S feel approachable rather than intimidating despite its nearly two-ton weight and relaxed demeanor in “GT” mode.

Form Follows Airflow in the Aston Martin DB12 S

Aesthetically, the DB12 S retains the gorgeous silhouette of the standard car but adds a layer of "functional aggression." The most notable change is the new louvered bonnet vents, designed to efficiently channel hot air away from the upgraded V8. At the front, a unique dual-tier splitter manages airflow to improve high-speed stability, working in concert with a new fixed rear spoiler to ensure balanced downforce. It’s a subtle reminder that this car spent as much time in a wind tunnel as it did in a design studio.

For the buyers who wants to personalize their "S," the side strakes can be fitted with optional machined, solid-face inserts, or even a bold red insert for a pop of color. The look is completed by gloss black sill extensions that visually connect the front and rear splitters, giving the car a lower, more purposeful stance. And, of course, "S" badges are prominently displayed on the front fenders, just in case the quad-stacked tailpipes, and their glorious exhaust note, didn't give the game away.

Aston Martin DB12 S’ ULTRA Cabin Comfort

Inside, the DB12 S remains one of the most exquisite environments in the automotive world. The cabin is a tactile feast of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara. To remind you of the car's performance pedigree, the "S" logo is integrated throughout the interior, complemented by a red bezel on the start button that changes the driving modes, plus red seatbelts and contrast stitching.

However, the headline for many will be the technology. Aston Martin has benefitted from its Mercedes-Benz relationship in recent years, as seen in updated displays, control interfaces, and processing power. To that the DB12 S adds CarPlay ULTRA as standard equipment. This next-generation integration of the CarPlay combine’s Apple’s user-friendly iPhone interface with Aston Martin’s primary vehicle systems, including audio and climate controls. The result is a deeper connection and seamless transition between iPhone-based apps and vehicle-based controls.

Aston Martin DB12 S: Tornado in a Tuxedo

The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S starts at $272,000 and represents the pinnacle of the current DB lineage. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it polishes it to a mirror finish. With an optimized 48/52 weight distribution, carefully calibrated chassis upgrades, and a V8 that sounds like a thunderstorm in a tuxedo, it is a definitive statement on what a Super Tourer can and should be. It offers the rare ability to be a composed, sophisticated companion on a long journey, while possessing the hardware to turn a Sunday morning blast into an unforgettable visceral experience. In the world of high-end grand touring, the Aston Martin DB12 S proves that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to lean into your heritage—with a little more "S."